Hokkaido is Japan's northernmost and second-largest island, renowned for its pristine wilderness, world-class powder snow, and vibrant seasonal beauty. From the lavender-carpeted fields of Furano to the UNESCO-listed Shiretoko Peninsula, Hokkaido offers Japan's most dramatic natural landscapes alongside excellent seafood and dairy cuisine.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
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Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Hakodate Morning Market (Hakodate Asaichi)
One of Japan's most famous morning markets, the Hakodate Asaichi operates daily from 5AM (6AM in winter) and is the best place in Hokkaido to buy and eat fresh seafood. Live tanks hold Hokkaido crabs, sea urchin, scallops, and squid. Dozens of stalls sell fresh and packaged seafood for immediate consumption or as gifts. The market also features restaurants where you can eat a fresh seafood donburi (rice bowl) for breakfast.
Where: Adjacent to JR Hakodate Station, Wakamatsu-cho, Hakodate
Hours: 5AM - 12PM (6AM - 12PM November-March); some restaurants open until afternoon
Look for: live hairy crab (kegani) · sea urchin (uni) · king crab (tarabagani) · fresh scallops · squid (ika) · salmon roe
Sapporo Jogai Market (Sapporo Chuo Wholesale Market Jogai)
Adjacent to the Sapporo Central Wholesale Market, the Jogai (outer) Market is open to the public and offers a wide range of Hokkaido seafood, vegetables, dairy, and prepared foods. Stalls sell fresh crab, sea urchin, salmon, and seasonal produce, as well as prepared foods for eating on site. It's a favorite for an early morning seafood breakfast and is popular with both locals and tourists.
Where: Kita 11-jo Nishi 21-jo, Chuo-ku, Sapporo (near Nijuyonken subway station)
Hours: Approximately 5AM - 3PM (varies by stall); many restaurants open for breakfast
Look for: fresh crab · sea urchin · ikura (salmon roe) · Hokkaido vegetables · dairy products
Sapporo Curb Market (Sapporo Nijo Market)
The Nijo Market (Nijo Ichiba) is Sapporo's most centrally located market, just a short walk from Odori Park. It operates as a covered outdoor market selling fresh seafood, vegetables, fruit, and prepared foods. Less touristy than Hakodate's market but excellent for fresh Hokkaido produce, local snacks, and a genuine market atmosphere.
Where: Minami 2-jo Higashi 1-3-jo, Chuo-ku, Sapporo (near Odori Park)
Hours: 6AM - 6PM (approximately; varies by season and vendor)
Look for: fresh seafood · Hokkaido vegetables · prepared foods · fresh fruit
Asahikawa Kaimono Koen Shopping Street
Asahikawa's main covered shopping arcade features local food shops, craft stores, and specialty retailers. Look for Asahikawa ramen products, locally produced sake, and wooden crafts — Asahikawa is known for its furniture-making industry and wooden goods.
Where: Near JR Asahikawa Station
Hours: Generally 10AM - 8PM
Look for: Asahikawa ramen kits · local sake · wooden furniture and crafts
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Tanuki-koji Shopping Arcade
Sapporo's Tanuki-koji is the city's oldest and most beloved covered shopping arcade, stretching seven blocks (1-chome to 7-chome) in Chuo-ku. Established in 1869 during the Meiji era, it mixes discount shops, local restaurants, drug stores, electronics, souvenir shops, clothing stores, and specialty retailers under a covered arcade that keeps shoppers dry in snow or rain. A lively, authentic slice of Sapporo commercial life.
Sapporo Station Shopping Area
JR Sapporo Station anchors Hokkaido's most concentrated shopping zone, with several major department stores and malls directly connected to the station. Stellar Place (6 floors of fashion and restaurants), Daimaru Sapporo (luxury department store), Paseo (fashion and dining), and the now-redeveloping ESTA building together house hundreds of retailers. The underground Sapporo Pole Town and Aurora Town shopping passages also connect the station to Odori Park.
Otaru Sakaimachi Street
Otaru's most picturesque shopping street, Sakaimachi runs through the heart of the historic merchant district with its beautifully preserved Meiji and Taisho-era stone and brick warehouses. The street is lined with glass art studios and shops, music box stores, confectioneries, sake shops, and seafood restaurants. This is the premier destination for artisan souvenirs and the best walking shopping experience in Hokkaido.
Hakodate Daimon Shopping Area
The Daimon area near Hakodate Station combines shopping with dining and sightseeing proximity to the morning market. Local shops sell Hakodate-specific souvenirs including salt-kelp products (shio konbu), dried squid, Hakodate coffee, and Goryokaku-themed goods. The area has a pleasant mix of old and new shops.
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Aeon Mall Sapporo Hassamu
One of the largest Aeon Mall locations in Sapporo, offering a comprehensive suburban shopping experience with fashion, electronics, home goods, supermarket, food court, and cinema. Practical for everyday items and a wide range of Japanese fashion brands at accessible price points.
Hours: 10AM - 9PM (supermarket may vary)
Sapporo Factory
Sapporo Factory is a unique shopping complex built within the historic 1876 Sapporo Brewery brick buildings, combining heritage architecture with modern retail. The complex includes fashion shops, restaurants, cafes, a cinema, and the iconic glass-domed atrium (Atrium) that hosts seasonal events. In winter, Sapporo Factory's atrium Christmas market is one of the city's festive highlights.
Hours: 10AM - 8PM (restaurants until 9-10PM)
LaLaport Sapporo Kitahiroshima
LaLaport Sapporo Kitahiroshima opened adjacent to Hokkaido Ballpark F Village (home of the Nippon Ham Fighters baseball team) in Kitahiroshima. It is one of the largest shopping malls in Hokkaido, with over 200 stores covering fashion, lifestyle, dining, and entertainment. Easily accessible from Sapporo by JR train.
Hours: 10AM - 9PM
Sapporo Stellar Place
Stellar Place is directly above JR Sapporo Station and is the most convenient upscale shopping destination in Hokkaido. Fashion brands span mid-range to premium Japanese labels, with an excellent restaurant floor and easy connectivity to the station for last-minute departure purchases.
Hours: 10AM - 8PM (restaurants until 10PM)